Shuts off after driving short distance, timing chain recently replaced?

CRYSTAL STEWART

MEMBER
1997 NISSAN HARDBODY
2.4L
4 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
156,000 MILES

I just replaced the timing chain and now it will crank and run. However, after the engine warms up it is like it is running out of gas. It also appears to be draining a fully charged battery when this occurs because it will not restart until battery is recharged. It cranks and idles normally and I can hear the fuel pump coming on when the key is turned.

Saturday, October 22nd, 2022 AT 10:22 PM

8 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,114 POSTS

Hi,

It sounds like the reason it's stalling is because the battery is draining. How long does this take to happen? Do the battery terminals get hot? Are you sure when the engine was worked on that the alternator wiring wasn't disturbed or damaged?

Here is what I need you to do. I want you to check the alternator output when it's running. Follow the directions in this link and let me know what you find:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-alternator

I will watch for your reply.

Take care,

Joe

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Sunday, October 23rd, 2022 AT 7:49 PM

CRYSTAL STEWART

MEMBER
5 POSTS

He said he will recheck the wires on the alternator but that his battery terminals are not getting hot, and the battery light is not coming on. He said he will reply again once the wiring and testing has been done.

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Sunday, October 23rd, 2022 AT 8:20 PM

CRYSTAL STEWART

MEMBER
5 POSTS

And it will run idle for a while however if he starts to drive it that he makes it about a mile or a little over and due to length of our driveway that most of that mile is idle speed with hardly any use of accelerator and the actual accelerating at average speed is about 2-3 minutes before it starts sputtering and shuts off.

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Sunday, October 23rd, 2022 AT 8:23 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,114 POSTS

Hi,

Okay, let me know what is found. Something is causing the battery to drain. If that wasn't the case, I would be suggesting for you check the fuel pressure, but I feel we need to know the cause of the battery issue first.

Let me know.

Joe

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Monday, October 24th, 2022 AT 5:58 PM

CRYSTAL STEWART

MEMBER
5 POSTS

Okay, sorry for the delay, the alternator is fine and in the meantime, he borrowed a code reader so I am going to input here exactly what we were told.

PO141 1/1 stored.
DLC is located on the drivers' side under the lower left side of dashboard.
DLC is uncovered.

O2 Heater circuit Bank 1.
Sensor 2.
DTC severity 2 of 3 repair immediately if drivable issue.

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Sunday, October 30th, 2022 AT 9:55 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,114 POSTS

Hi,

The code is related to the rear heated oxygen sensor. In most cases, this is the result of either the sensor itself or a connection issue. So, the first thing I would do is check the connector for damage, make sure it's tight and not corroded, and make sure there are no bare wires.

If that checks good, then you can check the engine control module and the sensor itself to see where the issue is coming from.

I attached the directions below for testing. The last pic shows the location of the sensor which is after the catalytic converter on the exhaust.

Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions. Also, the first picture is the wiring schematic so that you have a reference.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.

Images (Click to make bigger)